MyTye2B

Oh my goodness every time I write a post from work the formatting comes out in one giant paragraph. I'm sorry!

Carlota I am very anxious to see your tshirts that you ordered! It sounds like you have a busy couple of days. I think I am starting to feel the pressure now too. I have 3 pimples! They better go away quickly lol. I am sorry that you will have a bit of an awkward night with your friends. Try to make the best of it and enjoy yourself (and you get a present, lol). Everyone always says that you find out a lot about people when you are planning your wedding. For me personally I had stood up as a bridesmaid or Maid of Honour in about 15 weddings (like the movie 27 Dresses that was my life) and so I thought that everyone would be really supportive as bridesmaids to me, but it is not the case. Just last week I said to my girlfriends that I was feeling sad about it. We live very far from each other so it is hard for them to help, but it seemed more like they were all involved in their own lives. This week they have been really great and helpful and asking what do I need. I probably should have said something earlier. But for your friends from high school who just disappeared, that is quite rude. Do you think you will tell them how you feel or will you just let it go? Maybe they will apologize tonight and say that it was a big expense or whatever so that they could not go, but it would have been nicer (and easier for planning for you!) if they told you this a long time ago and did not just run away. I hope you will have a good time tonight anyway and know that all of the people who are coming to your wedding are the ones who really matter and will be in your life for a long time. About Mikaela's problem I agree with you. If you can show to your guest that it is more economical (and WAY more fun!) to stay at the resort I think that would be best. Ultimately it would be up to them. I would probably pay for the pass for the wedding if it were one or two close family members, but if it were for a lot of people that adds up VERY quickly especially if you are having a plated dinner. If it is possible (meaning you haven't already discussed it with the guests about the pass) I like the idea of having your TA break the news haha. Let's you off the hook a bit! Thank you for your nice words about our Las Vegas picture! We had a great time. You're right we have not met in person (yet!) but I hope that we have the chance when we are at Grand Palladium. I will look for the bride in the orange bikini!

It’s been a while since I’ve been here and as usual I’ve missed a lot while I was away! Here is a picture from my weekend. It was awesome to get to do the ‘legal’ stuff in a fun and romantic way. It was actually a lot more meaningful than I thought it would be, saying the vows in a back seat of a limo lol. But I don’t want to tell too many people about it since we want it to be special and real in Mexico. To us, that is our real wedding, we were just lucky enough to make the paperwork part fun. Welcome Sarah, and congratulations on your wedding and choosing Grand Palladium! Although I haven’t been married there yet, I can tell you honestly that it is a beautiful resort, that I have nothing but positive things to say about Vanessa, our coordinator, and that I’ve heard only great things from the other brides who have had weddings here. I hope you find this forum to be a valuable resource as I know we all have as we plan for our weddings. If you read back a loooong way, a lot of your questions are sure to be answered and we can certainly help with anything you need to know as well. Also welcome to tengotulove. I wish you all the best in finding a resort that works perfectly for the both of you. J Honestly we are not the biggest nightlife people. We’ll party a whole lot during the day lol, and then wear ourselves out. I do think that Cancun would have the good night life that your fiance is looking for, but I haven’t researched too much into what the nightlife is like at Grand Palladium. Vanessa our coordinator did send information about organizing a group trip to Coco Bongos (I’ve actually been there when I was a lot younger and it was a blast I just don’t think I could handle it these days, haha) so I do know that it is possible and I really don’t think it’s too much at all. If you decide to get married here I do think you’ll love the resort and the people! We booked through a TA and I’d recommend it. In this case it’s nice to have someone else do the work and it’s hard to coordinate all of the people especially when it’s a time you don’t want to be stressed. Our guests ended up paying just under $1400 each although that’s in August and it’s not a prime time. Come back and let us know what you decide! Jen that’s awesome that you’ve had so much luck with Michael for the hair and makeup. You’re smart to get stuff organized now because trust me life will get busy lol. And anyone who is that great with communication is a good thing. You don’t want to worry on your wedding day whether they will show up so I am so happy to hear that they’ve been so open with you and you trust them. J Mikeycelle it was SO nice to hear from you again! Your picture from Del Sol is gorgeous! Obviously, haha – their work is incredible! I am so happy to be reminded again of what a perfect day you had. I hope all the months since have been just as perfect. J Thank you for reminding us not to over pack. Haha, Tyrel and I are allowed 4 bags each for free up to 50 pounds and I am having trouble figuring out how I’ll fit it all in, even with that allowance! It’s good to know that Walmart is so easy and close. Your video was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. I had to watch it without sound haha, because Tyrel is sleeping but aside from the fact that you were stunning, the cake was gorgeous, the fireworks during your dance were amazing, the scenery looked so perfect! I’m so glad that we got a videographer too to capture our day. Now I am wishing they were there for longer to capture the party too! Haha, unfortunately I don’t think that’s in the budget but your video is so great! Carlota I have to listen to the Piano Guys song but I am on my laptop in bed and Tyrel is sleeping so I don’t want to wake him up. I will have to listen to it tomorrow. We also just finished putting most of the songs that the DJ won’t play (so for the ceremony) on the computer but now I have to make sure they are all good and put them on an iPod. I think I will use that My Wedding DJ app. But like you, I just have to do it! Lol. Also about the weather I am SO glad that they will wait until 3 pm to finally decide. It seems like it would be a LOT to put together in just about a half an hour if they wait that long, but I bet they can do it. We’ll just keep praying for no rain! I have to say your dress is soooo beautiful!!! I love the extra line of beading, what a smart decision. It really makes the dress and will pull you all in I think. Your guest seating cards are so nice too. I have been working tonight on my seating chart. I think in the end we will have 7 round tables plus our head table with 10 people at it. We have 60 people now booked officially. Phew! Some of the round tables will not be full though, one we only have 5 people at and 2 others will only have 7 people. Do you think that is ok? It is just how it worked out with families and couples. For our menu cards Tyrel and I have to work on them this weekend. Carlota your message in a bottle menus sound amazing. Please share a picture when they are all done! I would have loved to do that but it sounds like so much work. You are much more patient than me haha. I am also trying to put last minute things together for our OOT bags but now that we have so many more people coming I need to go buy extras of things like the Tylenol, which I originally found at the Dollarama and I only bought 15 of, but now we will have 27 rooms so I need 12 more, but I can’t find them for cheap anymore. I’m debating if I should wait to see if they get them back in stock for cheap or just buy the more expensive ones? I am also finding the same thing with the TUMS and a few other items that I still need to purchase. Right now I feel like I am running out of money big time. It’s our first full month in our new house so we are now getting all of the bills like our first cable bill, our first utility bill and the property taxes have been reassessed and we owe $600 more so I’m kind of freaking out that this is all happening 3 weeks before we leave for the wedding haha! I also have to bring all of the money in cash to pay for my alterations for my dress which I go see on Saturday (can’t wait for that though! That’s way more exciting than property taxes haha!) Were you able to find strapless bikinis? I have been looking for a white bikini, but as I’ve mentioned before I have a big old bum and no regular bathing suits seem to fit me. I’d love to be able to find a S, M, or L that actually fit me but even XL bottoms don’t (I have a M top) so the only real bathing suit store in town is Swimco where the prices are stupid, like $200+ for a bathing suit that comes in big booty size which I’d probably pay since it is for the wedding but I don’t even like the styles, they’re all ugly. So in Las Vegas I saw an awesome white, strapless bathing suit with like a gold rope chain across the chest – it doesn’t sound nice but it was so sexy! But the bottoms didn’t fit (obviously). I should have just bought the top, and then looked for separate bottoms here, but I was all mad so I didn’t haha. And now I regret it. Tonight I just found this online: It almost seems too good to be true since it was so cheap, simple, free shipping from the UK to Canada (I will pay duty) and came in size big butt! I am praying it will fit me, since I was really, really leery about ordering a bathing suit online. I used to do it all the time from Victoria’s Secret but my body was different back then. We’ll see! They do allow you to return too. Maybe when Claire gets back she can tell us if UK sizes fit like Canadian sizes, haha. It even says it will be here in 9 days. We leave in 21 for the wedding so I hope it comes! Well I'd better get to bed too! I have 2 more classes to train at work, one next week and one the week after, and then from August 10th I am off and we leave on the 14th. I can't wait!! Goodnight, Ladies! Lauren

Hi McBride welcome! I love meeting new people here. I really wanted a veil for my wedding and I found one that matched PERFECTLY with my dress. But I kept hearing that it is SO windy out there so I decided against it. I am getting married right on the beach. I'm thinking half up, half down for my hair, even though like Carlota I have super frizzy hair too - mine is crazy thick though, not thin, so my hair stylist here showed me how to take a half up look and twist the rest of it up after the ceremony into an updo. I am hoping my sister will be able to do that for me. I know I'll be sweating since my wedding is in August too. I really like the side updos like Carlota's picture too. I don't believe you have to pay for the outside vendor to come and do your hair. We are going with the spa too, but it sounds like a lot of people are going with the idea of bringing someone in. Jen I am SO thrilled to hear that your day was perfect! Isn't it crazy to say husband now?? I can't wait to do that! I can't wait to hear all about your day in detail when you find the time after coming home and of course I can't wait to see your pictures!! Carlota, my dress fitting was wonderful. I almost had a heart attack hearing what it's going to cost to be altered. It is almost the cost of half the dress. The reason is that it is like 2 dresses in one and I have huge hips. The size that they ordered was an 18 to fit around my hips, and after losing some weight it only needs to be taken in a bit on the hips and the chest you could fit 3 of me inside of! She basically has to remake the whole dress but I LOVE it sooooo much! It is so beautiful and it was so great to finally see what it will look like in the right size. I stopped at the alteration place today too to pick up my casual white dress that I will wear on Saturday in Vegas when we get legally married. I will show you guys a picture of that when I get back even though it is not our 'real' wedding. I heard back from Vanessa today. It had been about 5 days since I wrote but she explained that with all of the rain it had been busy with last minute changes to set ups and things. She sent me a detailed list that I had asked for of all of the costs. I had estimated about right, but there is a lot more that they require cash for that I was not aware of, so I would advise to ask for a list before you go. She was good at suggesting ways to cut down on costs too which I appreciated. She did understand exactly what I meant about the board after I explained like you told me!! Thank you, Carlolta! Lauren

Hi Bre we got the men's pants from Island Importer - here is a link: http://www.islandimporter.com/Linen_Pants We got the Ivory Linen Riviera Pants. The shirts we got from Studio Suits which I have read a lot about on here. Good luck! Lauren

I am hoping Jen and Claire had beautiful weather too! I am sorry to hear that Vanessa has been sick - and sorry to remind you of one more thing you have to do, Carlota hahaha. But I am so glad to hear that Thomas' paperwork is ok and that you had a great time at your bachelorette party last night. I can't wait to see the pictures on Facebook of your eggs!!

Hi Bre, Our guys are wearing beige linen pants (I wanted dark brown but Tyrel said no dice since he thinks it will be too hot in the August heat of Mexico) and light white linen shirts. I ordered them all online and and they fit perfectly for all of the guys because they have a drawstring on them which they really liked. They were about $60 each pair and then we shipped them to my friend's house who lives in Michigan so we didn't have to pay shipping to Canada and she brought them across the border to my parent's house. When I flew home last I picked them up. The shirts we ordered too and they were $25 each and we had them shipped right here. They came with each guy's name on a tag. We paid for all of the guys outfits too. Online through Etsy I also ordered boutonnieres (there is a pic a few pages back that I posted). With only a month left from today until we leave for our wedding I'm still trying to find a tie that I think will match the girls' dresses. I've been walking around with their straps in my purse forever! I only want Tyrel to wear a tie to differentiate him as the groom. I like Casey's idea of the jacket but he definitely wouldn't go for that for our August wedding haha. I can appreciate what you said about getting your ring sized and being without it for so long! Mine was only gone for less than a week and I kept having panic attacks too! I had to get mine sized up a half size because I just got it sautered to the wedding band (mine was $800 - barf! But it is one of those interlocking ones so I had to go with the same one and Tyrel's is Tungston and was only $120!) SInce it is a lot thicker being two together now it needed to go up. I was worried about my fingers swelling in Mexico, but it's a perfect fit now. It's been soooo hot here lately that we've been practicing shoving them on and off - delicately. Lol. We went to a wedding last night and Tyrel was the MC so I was trying to take notes on what we need said. I'm really nervous now to make a speech to thank everyone! Any advice? Lauren

Carlota I am thrilled to hear that Thomas’ paperwork came in. What a relief! I am very glad you’ll get to stick with your original package that you had wanted. Do you expect that you’ll get the confirmation about the Mayan Suite before you depart or will you have to wait until you get to the resort? I LOVE your ice cream vendor idea! Your guests will love and mmmmm, the flavours sound absolutely delicious! A friend of mine had gelato at her wedding in Canada and it was a big hit. Her family is all Italian too, haha! I sent Vanessa an email today to ask about how much money I can expect to have to pay for the balance of the wedding package, the bouquets, the centerpieces, the dinners, all of the extras (I can’t even remember what I’ve ordered, haha!) so that I won’t be so surprised when we get there. I think I remember you saying that you did that Carlota? Or someone on here did. Tyrel and I are going to try to get a few DIY things done tonight. I’m getting so excited. I called my parents tonight and talked to my dad and he was writing a speech and was getting all sentimental already. I just can’t wait to go! It's only 37 days away I can’t believe it! Too funny Noah, my boss has a black cat named Boo too and she has lots of different names for him too. It’s so cute how you described your pets. It seems like that’s always the case – they’re not too impressed but they end up being so adorable and can’t live without the other. J Like Liz, we ended up going with a photographer from home thinking it would be cheaper, but it did end up being a lot more. It is someone I know from home too and I have heard a lot of people will just pay for their trip which I assumed I could bargain but that was no dice. I am paying more than I wanted to, but at least she's wonderful and we'll have a fun week together. We ended up deciding to do a TTD and went with Cancun Wedding Photo whose prices were really great compared to the rest. If I could change, I’d probably go with them for our photography too. I should have looked around more. I wanted to do a TTD with someone local because I figured that they can bring us to some really cool places that our photographer from Canada wouldn’t have access to or know about. Kylie, we went with DJ Mannia for a DJ. He comes with cold fireworks - $900 for 4 hours but that seems about standard and honestly they’ve been AWESOME to work with. They’ve been really receptive, actually coming after ME when I have been slow to respond haha. They wanted to ensure that they got all of the songs that we wanted to play throughout dinner. I’ve heard really good things about DJdoremixx too. This was Tyrel’s one want. We weren’t going to have a DJ at all but then we went to my girlfriend’s wedding in Punta Cana in January and he totally changed his mind. He thought it made a party like you said, and I totally agree! Pamela we are not switching resorts after the wedding, but in hindsight I wish that we were going to have a few days to ourselves afterwards. We are leaving on the same flight as everyone else to go home too, and I really wish we’d have some alone time. Let us know what you decide. I’m very excited to have the whole week with our family and friends, but wish that we would have extended our stay, or switched for the last couple of days. Luckily we have a few days ahead of time to be by ourselves, but when people started saying they were coming early because it was cheaper I thought it was selfish too haha – but I’ve given up worrying. We’ll just go for a walk and hide, but I have a lot of trouble saying no to people and I often want to please everyone. Casey I have been thinking a LOT about the tipping lately too. If anyone can offer any input on my numbers below I'd love to hear them. Like Carlota, I believe that Vanessa has been an incredible planner and I plan to tip her $150-$200. We have a DJ and I will tip him. How much, I don't know. Since it's $900 to begin with I just don't know what's appropriate. Also we should be having 3 waiters, I’ll tip them, probably $25 each or so, the girls at the spa who do my hair and makeup and trial I will tip probably $10 each, the Trio who are playing after our ceremony, probably $10 each so $30. The minister we will probably give $20 (I don’t think we pay extra since we’re having a renewal). The videographer I have nooo idea what to tip - it's $400 for 2 hours, our photographer (also nooooo idea how much - she's from Canada) and the TTD photographers we will tip too. UGH! That’s a lot of tipping in addition to just our here and there tipping too! I’m even thinking there are the people who drive the golf cart to and from the wedding will need little tips, but it’s not like I have big pockets in my wedding dress lol. Tyrel has put his best man in charge of tipping everywhere – the night of the wedding, the days at the pool. He is an ‘industry’ guy so he likes to do that kind of thing. That takes a lot of pressure off – even though there’s still the financial pressure haha. Ok that is a lot out of me for today. I'm going to go get started on our menu cards and OOT bags. I have my first dress fitting tomorrow and then a wedding tomorrow night to attend. I'll let you guys know how it goes! Lauren

Bre 6 months will fly by! That's awesome that you got such a good deal on the photography. I was hoping mine would hit me up for that deal but no luck haha. You'll have to post a picture of Mika one day too! It's crazy because Tyrel was the same when I moved my two cats in with me when I moved in with him haha. But now he's such a good dad to them - I can see he'll be a good dad one day!

#2 is my vote!

Carlota I have deleted the email but I did find this on the Palladium Addict website: Renewals Silver Love Package Bridal bouquet & Groom’s boutonniere Ceremony performed in Spanish with English interpreter Flower arrangement for the wedding table Honeymooner’s special weekly dinner Non denominational minister Red carpeted walkaway Sparkling wine toast at the wedding site Turn down service / Special décor in room Wedding area decorations Wedding cake Golden Love Package Bridal bouquet & Groom’s boutonniere Bride’s&Groom’s wedding clothes steamed (with 2 days notice) Ceremony performed in Spanish with English interpreter Continental Breakfast, served in bed next morning after wedding Extra flower decoration at wedding site Flower arrangement for the wedding table Fruit Basket and champagne for the wedding couple Honeymooner’s special weekly dinner Late check-out for bride & groom on request and subject to availability Non denominational minister Red carpeted walkaway Sparkling wine toast at the wedding site Strawberries covered with chocolate Turn down service / Special décor in room Wedding area decorations Wedding cake Wedding Gift We chose the Golden Love package and I believe it was $1550. We have of course gone about $15000 over budget haha. Again, I hope you don't need it!

Hi Carlota, I have the information still and I will send it right away for the Renewal of Vows. Not much is included but it is cheaper than the rest - I think $1550. I hope that you do not need to use it and that everything works out with the paperwork. I bet your Maid of Honour bringing the eggs will work or the burying of the knives, haha you're right it is so funny! Tyrel and I will be going back to Vegas on the 19th-21st of July, just for the weekend and we plan to sign our papers there and have our 'legal' wedding, just the two of us in a small ceremony like he always joked that he wanted to - in the backseat of a limo! We won't have any witnesses, one will be provided for us. We have already filled out the paperwork online (Vegas makes it very easy to get married, haha!) and when we fly back to Alberta we just have to bring the paperwork to our registry to have it recognized here. It is very cheap in Vegas, only $60. We will always consider our real ceremony and real wedding and anniversary to be August 19th in Mexico. I am sorry poor Scooby is sick now! What a shock that the friends who were supposed to watch him cannot anymore. I am very glad you've found someone! I am a crazy cat lady haha, and I have 2 kitties Maggie and Zain who I can't bear to leave behind. I usually have a friend watch them but it seems that so many people are coming to the wedding, haha. I researched cat sitters in Calgary and I am very happy to have found two wonderful girls who will come over every day to play and feed them. They even asked what toys they like, and they are coming over on July 22 to have a meet and greet as well. It was kind of pricey, like $30/day, but they will also vacuum and sweep, change the litter box every day and take out our garbage and bring in our mail. I feel really secure knowing that they will be taken care of. Here is a picture of them! Maggie is the grey girl and Zain is the white boy. I have become so addicted to that collage maker app on my phone, here is one of Tyrel and I. Speaking of apps for phones, has anyone heard of WeddingParty? I just downloaded it and it is pretty neat. You can send invitations to your friends via text or email and they can download the app to upload pictures that they take at your wedding so they're all in one place. I haven't plaed around with it too much but it is cool so far. I'll let you know how it goes! Ok now I will go send you the information Carlota! Lauren

Hi Ladies, I am back from Las Vegas and mostly in one piece still. I have my dress fitting coming up this weekend so I'll need to make sure I get rid of all my delicious meals I've put in my tummy this weekend! I am sooo excited to go for my fitting, but nervous too, because I know that there is going to be a LOT of work to get done. Bre I love your engagement pics!! So beautiful. Thank you for sharing them. About the hair and makeup, I think it was me who mentioned it being over $500 for the 50% deposit. It is expensive but I guess they have a monopoly since there is not much else you can do. But, ngreenwood, I have read other brides from different resorts using who you suggested - Adrian in particular. I think that is actually a really good deal! The bridesmaids especially $150 is not too bad. My bridesmaids all have long hair and it is looking like $137 just for their hair alone! When I booked makeup it was $61 but I just had to add someone on and you're right that it's been upped to $72 now. I think it would be really fun to get ready all together in the rooms! Carlota it sounds like everything is very well organized! Very smart to prebook your seats (that's the airline lady in me!) and what a small price to pay to do it! You definitely want to be sitting with Thomas on such a long flight. I'm glad to hear that he's feeling better, by the way! What a relief! I am so excited for you that you will get a Mayan Suite, fingers crossed! Tyrel and I booked a Mayan Suite as well, at the White Sand for our trip. We think they just looked so cool! You can take a boat right up to your room and have that outdoor shower. It will be exactly the atmosphere we want. I can't believe you only have 3 weeks left! Do you feel like everything is coming together? What last minute things are you working on? Carlota, I noticed that Vanessa is taking slightly longer - usually a couple of days now to respond, but that she still provides exactly the answers that I am looking for. On that last email that I sent saying that I was happy to see that if it rained we could stay outside she said you are the bride and you are the most important person on that day. She is just so nice! As for the fingerprint guestbook, I will be leaving it on a table at the entrance to La Laguna, and have stamp pads, a pen and a little treasure chest box full of alcohol wipes (I found the treasure chest at Dollarama for $1.50) so that the guests can wipe off their fingers. I hope to ask Vanessa to put a small garbage pail near the table so they can throw away the alcohol wipes when they are done cleaning their fingers. I am not sure who I will put in charge of taking the guest book back to the room. I have heard at other resorts the wedding planner does this, or you can ask a friend or family member to bring it back to their room so that it does not get wrecked. I just have heard that sometimes things disappear so I definitely wouldn't want that to happen. I really feel like they are so organized though! Just be sure you have your DJ or MC make an announcement that it is there so that all of your guests can sign it, and let Vanessa know that you won't be taking it to Las Rocas for fear that it gets ruined, so if she can take it away for you with the rest of the decorations, I'm sure she will. I hope I get to meet you at the resort! Claire, good luck we are thinking of you and wishing you all of the best in only 10 days it is your wedding day!! Best wishes for a perfect day for you!!

Hi Everyone, just a quick note from me tonight. Carlota, I'm so glad that Thomas is finally beginning to feel better! And thank you for the nice words about my bridesmaid dresses. I have some more good news - I heard from Vanessa today and she did say that it will be up to us to decide in the end if we want to move inside if it is only slightly raining. Tyrel says that he will get married on the beach even if it is pouring rain and I agree! So hopefully we're going to have an outdoor beach wedding, regardless of the weather. Here's hoping it doesn't rain at all! I also paid off the remainder of the DJ (DJ Mannia who I have to say is very professional, I have been quite pleased with their communication) and our decorations by Wedding Cancun today. Ouch, it hurt the bank account but I am happy that it is done! Carlota you asked about decorating La Laguna - I have purchased turquoise and beige Japanese lanterns (about 10 of them) to be hung from the ceiling. I also made burlap table runners. Vanessa and the resort will be providing the centrepieces for the tables. I spraypainted two starfish turquoise per table, and I'll be making menu cards (I think 1 or 2 per table too). That is really all the decor I have, although I'd like something more for the head table. I have 3 parasols that are white that my friend who was recently married in Punta Cana gave me. Maybe I will have Vanessa set those up by the head table. I am having a table by the entrance that will have our guest book, memorial candle and a jar with glow bracelets with a sign that says "You've helped make our future bright, now let's do the same tonight - Light up the dance floor - please take one" which is an idea I got from Pinterest that I loved. What are you ladies doing or thinking of for decoration? Liana, I just saw the note that you left with the bracelets suggestion for the bridesmaid gifts. Thank you very much for sending that! I will definitely look into it - they look almost like Pandora but could be made with the wedding colours - very pretty. And Jenn I LOVE your shoes!!! Well ladies, I am heading to Las Vegas in the morning with 5 of my girlfriends for my bachelorette party!! We will be gone from Thursday to Monday and we have rented a cabana by the pool, have bottle service reservations and will be seeing Michael Jackson Cirque! I am soooo excited!! I'm sure I'll have lots to catch up on here when I get back. Have a wonderful weekend! Lauren

Congrats on getting your date set in stone, Mikaela!! As for the dress, mine is Essesnce of Australia - I ordered it at Christmas time and it came in mid-June, so 6 months or so. I'm pretty sure most places say leave at least 6 months. You'll be fine!!

Awesome, that is very reassuring. Thanks a lot! I think I have found a place out here that has lots of great reviews - and even gives a discount to my company! I'll let you know how it all goes. I appreciate the advice.

Hi Heather, I chose Menu #10 but one thing that Carlota mentioned on the Facebook page that I wasn't aware of is that you can actually choose different things from different menus and put them together to make your own. You just have to ask your wedding coordinator for the pricing if you do that. So that's a great option! I did order my bridesmaid dresses online and they're turquoise too! At first I went to a store in Calgary that sells Bari Jay and I located a dress that was the same fabric as the one I had ordered. In the store and on the other dress it was the complete wrong colour! However! When our dresses finally arrived they are the perfect colour! I'll post a pic below that I'm sure my sister would die if she knew I was putting here, haha! I agree Carlota, the flowers that your maid has chosen are absolutely beautiful!! And yes, move to Alberta, Canada there is LOTS of work here!! Although it's boiling today, no relief from the heat however usually the weather is beautiful and there are lots of mountains. Let us know where you guys are thinking! Hoping Thomas is feeling better soon! Lauren

Ok so for some reason when I copy and paste at work, this is the mess of a paragraph I end up with, haha. So I apologize for that! I can't seem to fix it, even when I go to edit, and preview. So hope you all have your reading glasses on, hahaha! Yay, Soon2BeMrsW and Junomei, I’m so happy you guys are a fan of my company!! Xo For me there was obviously no choice but to use WestJet. I did go with a TA but it was more to help with the coordination of things. Before I got started, I did call WestJet groups and WestJet Vacations to get some information personally. I know most people will go with whoever is cheaper and that totally makes sense, but when I decided to go with a TA (who is based in Windsor) I made it really clear that we would ONLY go with WestJet, haha out of Toronto or Calgary. That was just my personal bias haha. Anyone flying from Detroit obviously had to go with someone else. The benefit of going with a TA I found is that they watch the prices for you. If it goes down, they will contact you and you get the price drop. With WestJet group rates you have to have 10 rooms booked (leaving from any base so doesn’t all have to be leaving out of Calgary, or Edmonton or Toronto) just as long as you have 20 people you’ll get the group rate. The problem is that everyone has to be ready to book at the same time to get in on those rates. That’s another reason I let the TA do the chasing for me. Much easier! I also know that should anything go wrong we’ll be completely taken care of. I have heard one too many horror stories in my day to trust my wedding to anyone else. We don’t have closets in our plane, so I know I won’t be able to hang my dress, but I do know that we’ll be boarding first or last to lay the dress down across the overhead bins as Chrestena ended up doing. I’m sure some other companies offer fancier things but for me it was no contest. ïŠ At this time the flight schedule isn’t even out for July 2014 (I think just up until May) so you never know, there could be a direct flight added. Originally my fiancé and I had booked on a connecting flight through Toronto, (and I hate red-eye flights) but we were schedule changed and it actually worked out better because we got a direct flight from Calgary to Cancun. They added a new flight! All of our guests are going direct from Calgary to Cancun on a Saturday to Saturday. This year there are direct flights from Calgary on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, so I imagine it will be close, if not the same next year. The schedules usually come out 330 days in advance so it shouldn’t be too long before the summer 2014 schedule is out. Just be prepared for some schedule changes, those always happen – but like in our case sometimes it’s for the better! Leaving from Edmonton it looks like in May (which is as far as I could check) that there are only direct flights to and from Edmonton on Saturdays but that’s what you’d probably book anyway, and if you had to connect in Calgary it would still be a heck of a lot shorter flight than connecting in Toronto. Junomei are you from Edmonton too? Summer is a cheaper time to fly, but like everyone else presses, the earlier you can book, the better. Let me know how you guys get on with the information you receive! Also there are some nice reviews if you search Grand Palladium White Sand on WestJet Vacations. If I can answer any more questions or help out at all let me know!

Sarah, can I also ask you honestly, does it hurt?